CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes
Tiha was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2016, when she was just two years old. This year marks an incredible milestone — 10 years of surviving and thriving. Over the years, learning to manage diabetes has become a big part of Tiha’s life, and her family has learned alongside her every step of the way. It hasn’t always been easy, but together they’ve worked hard to keep Tiha healthy, confident, and supported.
Tiha wants people to understand something important: she did not get diabetes from eating too much sugar, and diabetes does not make her weird or different. It is simply part of her life.
Living with diabetes means constant attention, even when no one else can see it. Tiha manages her blood sugar at school, during dance, while spending time with friends, and in all the everyday moments that most people never think twice about. Her diabetes devices make things easier and help her stay in class, focus, and participate like everyone else — but diabetes is always in the background. There are alarms, numbers, and decisions running quietly in her mind all day long.
One of the hardest parts for Tiha is wearing and changing her devices. It can be uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and it often means stopping what she’s doing — even during the most fun moments. Those interruptions can feel frustrating, especially when she just wants to be a kid.
Even so, Tiha continues to thrive. Living with type 1 diabetes has helped shape her into someone who knows how to speak up. She has learned how to educate others, correct wrong assumptions, and stand strong when people joke, bully, or misunderstand what diabetes really is.
Tiha is full of energy and passion. She loves sports and staying active, and she plays volleyball, basketball, soccer, badminton, dance, and swimming. These activities help her feel strong, confident, and happy — and they remind her that diabetes does not get to decide what she can do.
Tiha is modelling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and show that kids living with diabetes deserve to be seen, supported, and celebrated.
Her message is powerful: "People’s assumptions about diabetes are usually wrong. You’re not alone — and it gets easier with time."
#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma
CHANGEMAKER SPONSORS
